The best motorcycle saddlebags for touring are the Rhinowalk 48L pair if you want true waterproofing and room for a week of gear, the TCT-MOTORPARTS hard bags if you ride a Harley touring platform, and the KEMIMOTO 30L set if you want leather-look styling without overspending. We spent weeks comparing twelve sets on capacity, seam construction, mounting and how they behave once the bike is fully loaded.
Touring saddlebags are pannier-style bags that hang off either side of the rear frame, seat or sissy bar. They carry your clothes, tools, camping kit and rain gear while keeping the load low and centred so steering and lean angle stay predictable. On a multi-day trip the luggage is the trip, so a bag that leaks, sways or grounds out in a corner costs you the whole holiday.
The honest wrinkle is that there is no single winner. A commuter on a stripped cruiser wants something that straps on in five minutes, while a rider crossing gravel every day needs a welded liner and hardware that survives washboard. So we scored all twelve on the same five things: real capacity, how waterproof the construction actually is, whether the mount holds still at speed, how well the fitment matches a real bike, and what owners report after a season of use.
Before you read further, it is worth getting the rest of your kit sorted too. Our picks for the best motorcycle helmets for touring and the best motorcycle boots matter as much as the luggage when a trip runs into bad weather, and a solid motorcycle stand makes packing and servicing a loaded bike far easier.
Top 3 Picks for Touring Saddlebags in 2026
Rhinowalk 48L Waterproof Saddlebags
- Fully waterproof 500D PVC tarpaulin
- 48L total capacity
- Collapses flat for storage
- Adjustable spacing between bags
TCT-MOTORPARTS 5 Inch Stretched Hard…
- Durable ABS hard shell
- 5 inch stretch hides the muffler
- Fits 2014-2024 Touring models
- Chrome latches and 2 keys included
KEMIMOTO 30L Saddlebags
- 30L of capacity
- Reinforced PU leather holds its shape
- Adjustable cord strapping
- Weighs 2.65 kg
All 12 Touring Saddlebags Compared (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rhinowalk 48L Waterproof Saddlebags |
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Check Latest Price |
| TCT-MOTORPARTS 5 Inch Stretched Hard Saddlebags |
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| KEMIMOTO 30L Saddlebags |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Milwaukee Leather SH66602 Throw Over Bags |
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 KEMIMOTO 40L Saddlebags |
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 EGO BIKE 60L Hard Saddlebags |
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 Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Waterproof Saddlebags |
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Check Latest Price |
 Tusk Traverse Pannier Bags |
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Check Latest Price |
 Nomad USA 30L Throw Over Saddlebags |
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Check Latest Price |
 cortech Super 2.0 36L Saddlebags |
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Check Latest Price |
 WILD HEART Waterproof Saddlebags |
|
Check Latest Price |
 KUAFU 45L Hard Saddlebags |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Rhinowalk 48L Waterproof Saddlebags – Best Overall Touring Pick
Rhinowalk Motorcycle Saddle Bags Waterproof Anti-Vibration Motor Side Bags Shoulder Bag Motorbike Panniers 48L(24L*2) for most Adventure and Sport Motorcycle Racks, 1 Pair
48L total
500D PVC tarpaulin
Rack mount
Universal fit
Collapsible
Pros
- Genuinely waterproof shell material
- 48L total suits a week of gear
- Folds down to nothing when off the bike
- Adjustable spacing clears exhaust heat
- Three compartments
Cons
- Needs a side rack to stay put
- Heat shield is a separate accessory
We picked these as our best motorcycle saddlebags for touring because they solve the one problem soft luggage never quite fixes: water. The shell is 500D PVC tarpaulin, which the manufacturer rates as fully waterproof, and it wipes clean after a muddy day instead of absorbing it.
Capacity is 48 litres split across two pockets, or 24 litres a side. That is genuinely enough for a multi-day trip with camping gear if you pack tightly, and the three-compartment layout stops everything tumbling when you dig for one item at a fuel stop.
The Velcro board and buckle closure is the detail that won me over. You fold each bag down three or four times, buckle it and it becomes a flat panel that fits under a seat or in a pannier for the ride home. No spare rack taking up garage space.
Spacing between the two bags adjusts on a Velcro strap, which matters more than it sounds. Owners moving the bags outward to clear the exhaust report the difference immediately on a hot day. Mount it to a proper side rack and this pair disappears as a compromise.
Who the Rhinowalk 48L suits
Riders on adventure and sport touring bikes that already have side racks fitted. The 48L total is right in the sweet spot for a seven-day loop, and the material shrugs off sustained rain that would soak a Cordura bag through the seams.
It also suits anyone who loads a bike in the dark. High-density PVC does not care about UV fade, and there is no fabric dye to fade or fray at the stress points.
Who should look elsewhere
Do not buy these for a bike with no rack or frame points. The cons reviewers mention are consistent: soft-sided bags need purpose-built mounting to stay in position, and a generic strap alone will not do it.
The exhaust heat shield is a separate accessory, so budget for it if your bags sit close to a collector. Bikes with very high exhausts still need a heat solution before this pair goes on.
2. TCT-MOTORPARTS 5 Inch Stretched Hard Saddlebags – Best for Harley Touring Models
TCT-MOTORPARTS Vivid Black 5″ Stretched Saddlebags Extended Hard Saddle Bags w/Chrome Latches Fit For Touring Models Road King Glide Electra Street Glide CVO Ultra Classic 2014-2024
ABS hard shell
5 inch stretched
Fits 2014-2024 Touring
Chrome latches,2 keys
Pros
- Vehicle-specific fit for 2014-2024 Touring models
- 5 inch stretch hides the muffler
- Chrome latches and keys included
- Uses existing OEM hardware
Cons
- Only fits Harley touring platforms
- Hard shell has no soft lining
This is the pair to buy if your bike is a 2014 to 2024 Harley touring model. Rather than a universal bag, it uses the existing OEM saddlebag supports, locks and latches, which means the install is a swap rather than a fabrication job.
The 5 inch stretch is the reason it earns its place on a long trip. Stock hard bags stop short of the muffler and leave a gap that reads unfinished. These run the full length and the gloss black finish with chrome latches matches factory appearance closely enough that most people cannot tell at a glance.
Owners consistently rate the fit accuracy as the standout feature, with three quarters of reviews landing at five stars. The package includes a pair of saddlebags, two keys and two latches, so you are not hunting for hardware on installation day.
Because it is a hard ABS shell, contents stay where you put them and the bag keeps its shape empty. That matters when you want to reach a camera or a spare shirt without unpacking a soft bag that has collapsed into everything else.
Where these hard bags beat the alternatives
Security is the clear win. A keyed chrome lock means your gear is locked inside the bag rather than protected by a cable through a zip, which is the standard answer on soft luggage. Cameras, laptops and passports go in the bag and stay there.
They also shrug off rain without a liner, and they hold a shape that makes a heavily loaded bike feel less vague at speed because nothing shifts internally.
Where they fall short
Fitment is the limitation, plainly stated in the specs. This is for FLT, FLHT, FLHTCU, FLHRC, Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide and Ultra-Classic platforms only. Nothing else fits.
The second limitation reviewers raise is the hard plastic interior. There is no soft lining, so delicate gear gets a shell that is smooth but unforgiving. Line the bags if you carry anything fragile.
3. KEMIMOTO 30L Saddlebags – Best Value Leather-Look Set
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Saddlebags 30L Large Capacity Universal Saddle Bags
30L capacity
PU leather
Rack mount
2.65 kg
Universal cruiser fit
Pros
- Holds shape when empty
- PU leather resists road wear
- Adjustable cord strapping
- Inner net pocket
- Weighs 2.65 kg
Cons
- Scuffs easily
- Decorative buckles can come loose
- Vague instructions
- Can sag on some frames
The KEMIMOTO 30L is the one we send riders who want the cruiser look without the cruiser price. PU leather with tight stitching holds its shape under load, which is the thing cheap soft bags almost never get right.
At 2.65 kg for the pair it is light enough to forget you are carrying it, and 30 litres covers clothes, gloves, a rain layer and a day of snacks. The inner net pocket is sized for the small stuff that otherwise disappears to the bottom.
Fitment covers the mainstream cruiser and standard models including Sportster, Softail, Dyna, Road King, V-star and Shadow. The cord-and-rope strapping lets you set the gap between the bags, and the manufacturer asks for at least 3 inches of clearance from the tailpipe.
Owners frequently describe these as more solid and better looking than expected, and the mounting stays stable on the bike. For a rider doing a three or four day loop on paved roads, that is genuinely all you need.
What works in everyday use
The reinforced construction means the bag stands up on its own when empty, so packing on a driveway is not a wrestling match. Riders also note how simple the cord strapping is compared with cam buckles and racks.
For value, it is hard to argue with a shape-holding 30L set that weighs under three kilos. If you ride a lot of short-to-medium tours, that combination is the sweet spot.
What to watch out for
Cosmetic scuffing shows up in light use, which is fair for PU leather. The bigger issue is the hardware: the decorative plastic buckles are not sewn to the strap, so a clamp left open can lose one.
Instructions are thin, so allow closer to 20 minutes than 5 for the first install, and measure your frame clearances before ordering. A minority of owners on certain frames report bags that sag or misshape over time.
4. Milwaukee Leather SH66602 Throw Over Saddlebags – Best No-Tools Fit
Milwaukee Leather SH66602 Zip-Off Double Pocket PVC Throw Over Motorcycle Saddlebags – One Size
PVC soft
12 by 9 by 6 inch
Reflective piping
Throw over
4 pockets
Pros
- Reflective piping for night visibility
- Two lockable outer pockets
- Throw over design needs no rack or tools
- Quick release double front strap
Cons
- Soft PVC offers no structure or weather sealing
- Chrome buckles wear over time
Sometimes the best feature is that there is no install. These go over the rear seat and strap down, so if you rent bikes, swap between machines, or do not want a rack drilled into your frame, that is worth more than any capacity figure.
The reflective piping along the outer edges is the detail that stands out to touring riders. Night visibility on unlit rural roads is a real consideration and this is one of the few sets here with day and night reflective trim built in.
Storage is organised into four compartments, including two outer self-fastener lockable bonus pockets. Those are sized for the stuff you want at a fuel stop rather than the stuff you packed weeks ago.
Dimensions are 12 inch length, 9 inch height and 6 inch depth, with a 17 inch diagonal. Owners like the quick-release double front strap for how fast the bags come off at a stop.
Where throw-over bags win
Portability is unmatched. Take the bags off, carry them to a hotel room, and the bike stays clean. Riders running a mixed bike and luggage setup, or anyone who stores kit in a garage rather than on the bike, will appreciate that.
The lockable outer pockets also give you somewhere to secure a wallet, phone or tool roll without locking the whole bag, which soft panniers otherwise leave you without.
Where they do not
The soft PVC body has no structure and no weather sealing. Buyers who wanted a rigid, fully sealed bag are disappointed, and in a hard downpour you should treat these as water resistant at best.
Chrome-plated buckles are a wear point over time and are the first thing to look at before a long season. Check them at every service stop and carry a spare strap.
5. KEMIMOTO 40L Saddlebags – Budget Pick With the Most Volume Per Bag
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Saddlebags 40L(20Lx2) Large Capacity
40L total
Oxford and PU leather
Stiffener boards
Rain covers
Seat mount
Pros
- Huge 40L volume for the money
- Removable stiffener boards hold shape
- Rain and dust covers included
- Two zippered compartments per bag
Cons
- Needs a rear seat or side frames
- Nylon and PU is not fully waterproof
- Thin seats need extra frames
Forty litres for 20 a side is the largest soft volume in this group, and it costs less than the 30L set above. If your touring is a mix of camping gear and clothes rather than a two-bag minimal load, the extra room is the whole point.
The removable plastic stiffener boards on the sides and base are the reason this holds its shape when a fabric pannier would fold flat. They come out for packing and go back in before you mount the bags.
A pair of rain and dust covers is included, which handles typical drizzle and trail dust. Two zippered compartments per bag give you somewhere sensible to put wet gear without soaking everything else.
Owners highlight the value and the generous volume most often, and the stiffener panels as the feature that beats what the price suggests. The trade-off is that the material is Oxford fabric and PU leather, not a sealed liner.
Who gets the most from this set
Riders on standard and cruiser platforms with a detachable rear seat, including Sportster, Softail, V-star, Shadow and Vulcan. If you camp, carry a wet jacket and a full change of clothes, this volume is the difference between fitting and leaving things behind.
Thinner seats do fine as long as you can add side frames, which is the fix the manufacturer and owners both point to when the bag is not sitting square.
What to plan around
It needs a rear seat or side frames to secure. The install spec asks for more than 12 inch from the top of the seat cushion to the tailpipe, and 3 inch of tailpipe clearance, so measure before ordering.
Oxford fabric with PU leather is not fully waterproof. Riders heading into sustained multi-day rain should treat the included covers as dust protection, not a dry guarantee.
6. EGO BIKE 60L Hard Saddlebags – Best for Large Touring Loads
Vivid 60L Hard Saddle Bag Trunk W/brackets Compatible with Harley Honda
60L total
ABS hard shells
Keyed chrome locks
7.76 kg
Rack mount
Pros
- 60L of sealed capacity
- Keyed chrome locks with 2 keys
- Overlapping top-opening lids
- Works across several cruiser brands
Cons
- Heaviest option in this group at 7.76 kg
- B bracket measurements must be checked first
Sixty litres is a serious touring volume in hard shells, and this pair is aimed at riders carrying camping equipment, tools or a passenger’s gear on top of their own. Compatibility covers Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki cruisers including Shadow and Vulcan.
The lids open from the top and overlap the lower section, which is the detail that makes these read as waterproof rather than merely water resistant. A lapped closure sheds water that would run straight into an overlapping-free seam.
Chrome locks with two keys give real security, and the boxes stay rigid and organised when empty. That combination of seal and lock is what hard cases are genuinely better at than soft panniers.
Mounting hardware including screws, nuts and washers is in the box. Buyers mostly report satisfaction with the sealed capacity and the keyed latches, and mostly report the same two issues.
Best reasons to choose hard shells
If your route is mostly motorway and tarmac, security and weather sealing beat every soft option. Lock the bags, walk away, and know that a downpour is not a problem. Fragile electronics ride safely inside a rigid box.
Large capacity in a hard shell is unusual. Most hard cases that fit a touring bike are modest; 60 litres across a pair gives real room without needing a top box as well.
What catches people out
At 7.76 kg these are the heaviest bags in this roundup before you add a rack. Owners consistently flag the added weight, and on a bike that already feels loaded the handling change is noticeable.
Measure your existing brackets before ordering. The listing asks buyers to check compatibility and notes that professional installation is recommended, which tells you how much adjustment some bikes need.
7. Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Waterproof Saddlebags – Best Fully Sealed System
Nelson Rigg Hurricane Waterproof Adventure Saddlebags
28L per side
Heat-welded seams
Removable liners
Purge valve
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Electronically heat-welded seams
- Removable liners and purge valve
- 28L per side
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heaviest soft option at 13 lb for the pair
- Needs a suitable mounting rail
This is the highest-rated bag in the group and the most properly engineered answer to wet weather. Tarpaulin PVC with electronically heat-welded seams means there is no stitching to leak and no liner zip to fail. Riders report contents staying dry through river crossings and sustained rain.
At 28 litres per side, roughly 56 litres total, it handles a long tour with camping kit without pushing the bike wide. Each bag measures 15 inch long, 8 inch wide and 14 inch high.
The removable liners are the feature experienced riders notice first. You can pull the liner out, pack it, wash it and dry it separately instead of dealing with a bag that holds water in its folds for a week.
The purge valve lets you squeeze air out of a soft bag to compact it between stops. That is a small thing that makes a real difference when you are trying to wedge a full load into a smaller footprint for a twisty section.
Why the sealed construction matters
Heat-welded seams are the difference between water resistant and waterproof. Almost every other soft bag here relies on coated fabric, which handles rain but not immersion, and this one is built to be submerged.
Backed by a lifetime warranty against material and workmanship defects, it is the only set here where long-term durability is contractually covered rather than hoped for. Owners put it near the top of the list for holding up over multiple seasons.
What you give up for it
Thirteen pounds for the pair makes it the heaviest soft option in this roundup. On a lighter bike or a fully loaded tour, that is a real cost in steering feel.
It is also universal fit that still needs a mounting rail. Plan the hardware into the install, and note that the bags cannot be locked, so plan for how you will secure them overnight too.
8. Tusk Traverse Pannier Bags – Best Rackless Dual-Sport Setup
TUSK Traverse Pannier Bags System Compatible with Dual Sport and Adventure Motorcycles (Black/Grey, X-Small Tail Bag Black)
16L total
Rackless quick strap
YKK zippers
Compression straps
Water resistant
Pros
- No rack or drilling needed
- YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware
- Compression straps hold it still on gravel
- Removable foam protects bodywork
Cons
- Only 16L total capacity
- Water resistant and not waterproof
- Buckles can wear under hard trail use
The Tusk Traverse is the answer for dual-sport and enduro riders who want side storage without committing to a pannier rack. The quick strap system installs with or without a top rack and needs no extra hardware, which is rare.
Rackless mounting is genuinely lighter and keeps the bike’s silhouette clean, and the tapered profile with compression straps holds cargo close. On loose surfaces that difference shows, because a rack-mounted bag that swings is a bag that eventually finds the ground.
Nylon shell and straps with TPU reinforcements, YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware is a good materials list for the money. The removable soft foam backing protects paint where the bag rubs.
Owners in the off-road community consistently praise the secure fit and the shroud-covered water-resistant zips, with most of five-star feedback. The repeated complaints are about volume and weather, not build quality.
Where this setup works
A bike that lives on gravel and forest road. No rack means no interference with suspension travel, no dead weight over the rear wheel, and nothing to remove when you want the bike looking like a bike again.
It also pairs well with a larger top box, so a rider can add capacity upward rather than outward and keep the bike narrow on trail.
Where it will disappoint you
Sixteen litres total is small. It is a tool, spare tube and day-kit solution, not luggage for a week on the road. Plan a top box or dry bag for anything longer than a long weekend.
It is water resistant, not waterproof, and owners report occasional buckle wear under rough trail use. The strap system also takes practice on the first install, so allow time to get it sitting flat before riding away.
9. Nomad USA 30L Throw Over Saddlebags – Best Cruiser Styling
Nomad Universal Motorcycle Saddlebags – 30L Large Capacity Quick-Easy Throw Over Bags for Cruiser, Chopper, Touring – Heavy Duty saddle bags,Waterproof,Secure Lock,Durable Storage Side Bags for Bikers
30L
PU leather
Hard shell strap mount
Quick release buckles
5.88 kg
Pros
- Classic black PU leather look
- Strap install with no drilling
- Quick release buckles
- Roomy 30L volume
Cons
- Water resistant rather than waterproof
- Needs a rear passenger seat and frame points
Style matters on a cruiser and these deliver it. The PU leather with a weather-resistant finish and a hard shell structure underneath looks right on a Softail or a Rebel, where a technical fabric pannier would look out of place.
Thirty litres per pair is enough for a long weekend: clothing, a rain layer, tools and snacks. Quick release buckles make it quick to open at a stop without unbuckling a full flap.
Adjustable mounting straps mean no drilling, no brackets and no rack. On a bike where you would rather not cut into anything, that is a genuine advantage over a hardware-dependent system.
Owners rate the classic look and the simple install highly, with most of the feedback landing at four and five stars. The consistent caveat is about mounting requirements and rain.
Best for cruiser riders who want zero fuss
If your touring is paved, moderate distance, and you would rather spend the time riding than bolting hardware to a frame, this is a low-effort system. The bags come off in seconds and go in the pannier or a duffel at the hotel.
Compatibility covers a wide list of cruiser platforms from Sportster variants through Softail, Dyna, Honda Rebel, Yamaha, Indian, Suzuki and BMW, though a rear passenger seat is required.
What it will not do
It resists water rather than blocking it. In sustained rain you will want liners inside, and the hard shell does not create a watertight compartment.
Installation needs a rear passenger seat plus rocker arms or frame rails as attachment points. Check that before you order, because a bike without those points cannot use these at all.
10. cortech Super 2.0 36L Saddlebags – Best Quick-Release Touring Pair
cortech Super 2.0 36L Motorcycle Saddlebags
36L per bag
1680D ballistic polyester
Quick release mount
Heat shield
4 pounds
Pros
- Large 36L expandable volume per bag
- Heat shield protects the lower panel
- Quick release mount is stable at speed
- Non-scratch backing protects paint
Cons
- Supplied rain covers leak in real rain
- Zip can pull out of track when full
- Can sag toward the rear tire when unsupported
Thirty-six litres per bag is genuinely large, and the expandable main compartment means you can start the trip light and grow into it. At 4 pounds the pair is light for the volume, which matters on a fully loaded bike.
The 1680D ballistic polyester with 1800D jacquard side panels is a tough build, and the quick release mount is described by owners as stable at highway speeds with easy installation.
A protective heat shield on the lower section handles exhaust heat, and the non-slip non-scratch diamond pattern covers protect bodywork where the bags contact the bike. They also integrate with the Cortech Super 2.0 tail bag if you build a full system.
Internal support panels hold the structure under load, and a handle strap means you can carry them off the bike like luggage. That is a small quality-of-life win at the end of a long day.
Why touring riders like this pair
Two year materials and workmanship warranty is meaningful cover for gear that will live in the weather. The volume-to-weight ratio here is the best in the roundup for paved multi-day tours.
The quick release mount lets you drop the bags at a stop and the locking zipper sliders add a layer of security to an otherwise soft system. Useful when you leave luggage visible in a car park.
What owners report as problems
The rain covers are the most cited complaint. Owners report water pooling in them and seeping in during sustained rain, and the covers do not seal tightly around the back, so do not rely on them for real weather.
Some also report the standard zipper pulling out of track when the bag is packed full, and the bags sagging toward the rear tire on bikes without proper saddlebag supports. Check your mount points carefully.
11. WILD HEART Waterproof Saddlebags – Best Night Visibility
WILD HEART Motorcycle Saddlebags Waterproof 24L 36L 50L Motorcycles Side Saddlebags Pannier Bag Trunk Motorcycle Accessory(36L Black)
24L, 36L or 50L
Welded waterproof seams
Reflective stripes
Foam back panel
Detaches
Pros
- Seamless welded waterproof construction
- 4 zinc alloy plus 8 plastic buckles
- Reflective stripes for night riding
- 3D foam back padding
- Bags detach as a shoulder bag
Cons
- Foam padding is not a substitute for luggage supports
- Sizing options need checking before ordering
This set comes in 24, 36 and 50 litre versions, so you can size the pair to your trip rather than living with one compromise volume. We tested the logic of the range: 24 litres a side suits weekends, 36 suits most ten day tours.
The construction is seamless welded waterproof fabric with 0.65mm side material and a double-layer reinforced front. No stitching through the body means fewer paths for water, and owners single out the welded build as the reason to buy.
Tie-down options are generous, with 4 zinc alloy buckles, 8 plastic buckles and 8 D-rings. That lets you strap down on very different bike shapes, which matters most on a universal-fit soft bag.
The curved windproof profile is designed to reduce drag at highway speed, the 3D foam back panel absorbs shock and protects paint, and reflective screen-printed stripes improve night visibility. The bags also detach to work as a shoulder bag or handbag.
Best for riders who ride after dark
Reflective detail is rare enough in this category to be worth calling out. On rural roads with unlit stretches, visible edges and sides are a genuine safety difference, and the piping is there on the whole outer edge.
The detachable strap also makes these useful off the bike, which turns a set of panniers into something you can carry to a campsite or a shop without a second bag.
What you need to sort out yourself
Foam back padding cushions shock but is not a substitute for proper luggage supports on an unsupported bike. If your mounting points are soft, plan on stabilising the bags with straps and check for sway before loading them heavily.
Fitment details in the listing are sparse, so confirm the size variant you are ordering and measure your mounting points first. Owners note that checking the sizing options carefully avoids most of the disappointment.
12. KUAFU 45L Hard Saddlebags – Best Side-Opening Access
KUAFU Motorcycle Hard Saddlebags 45L W/Mount Compatible with Honda Shadow
45L
ABS hard shell
Side-opening keyed doors
16.5 inch long
Hardware included
Pros
- 45L of hard-shell storage
- Side-opening doors with 2 keys
- All mounting hardware in the box
- Not pre-drilled for flexible fitting
Cons
- Thin ABS can crack at bushing points
- Locks and seals weaken over time
- Drilling and signal relocation may be needed
The side-opening doors are what set this pair apart. You swing the whole outer face open and everything inside is visible at once, rather than digging through a top lid in bad weather. For a touring rider who wants gear at a fuel stop, that is a real convenience.
Forty-five litres across a pair, 16.5 inch long and 6.75 inch wide, gives room for clothing, tools and a wet layer. Stainless steel hinges and keyed doors for two keys keep it secure when parked.
The bags are not pre-drilled, which means you can position them to suit your frame instead of forcing them into fixed holes. Mounting hardware is included, and fitment covers Harley, Yamaha, Vulcan VN, Dyna, V-Rod, V-star 650, VTX 1100 and 1300, Boulevard, C50 and Virago 1100.
Owners like the look and the amount of hardware in the box for the money. This is also the lowest-rated bag in our group, and the complaints below are consistent enough that you should plan around them.
Where side-opening access helps
Retrieving one item from a hard case is where this design wins. With a top-opening case you lift the lid and fish; with side-opening doors you see the whole contents and pull what you need in one movement.
The flexible drilling is a genuine advantage on aftermarket frames where fixed hole spacing would not line up. It also means you can set the bags where they clear the exhaust and rear signals.
What to watch over time
Owners report that the thin ABS plastic can crack at the bushing points, which is the mounting location where the load concentrates. Some add larger washers and interior liner bags to improve durability.
Locks and seals also stop keeping water out after extended use, and the printed instructions make fitment tricky. Budget for turn signal relocation on some bikes, and take measurements before you commit.
How to Choose Touring Saddlebags That Suit Your Bike
Start with where you ride, not with capacity. A rider splitting a week between motorway and gravel needs different luggage from someone doing 1,000 miles of tarmac, and the honest answer changes depending on which of those you actually do. Riders on r/advrider consistently describe switching to soft panniers for off-road and mixed surface, and only moving to hard cases for highway-heavy routes with fragile cargo.
Hard vs soft vs semi-rigid
Hard cases win on security, weather sealing and shape retention. They lose on weight, width, lean angle and crash behaviour, since a rigid case is the first thing to hit the ground and can take a rider’s leg with it.
Soft panniers win on weight, width and how they behave on loose surfaces. They lose on locking and on organisation. The old objection that soft means leaks no longer holds, because bags with welded seams and sealed liners now match hard cases in sustained rain.
Semi-rigid sits between the two: a semi-rigid shell keeps shape and resists impact while staying narrower and lighter than a full hard case. It is the compromise most riders land on after trying both, and it is worth considering if you cannot decide.
How much capacity a tour actually needs
Work from litres per side and be honest about camping. Two to three days of riding with a hotel each night needs roughly 15 to 20 litres a side. A full week on the road with clothing, toiletries and a wet jacket wants 25 to 30 litres a side. Ten days or longer, or any trip carrying camping kit, pushes toward 35 litres and up.
The rule of thumb is simple: if you cannot get your kit into the bags, the bags are the wrong size. Pack for the trip you are actually taking, not the trip you might take.
Water-resistant is not waterproof
Water-resistant means coated fabric and covered zips, which handles typical rain and road spray. Waterproof means welded or taped seams, or a sealed inner dry bag, which handles sustained downpours and water crossings. The difference shows up on day three of a wet tour, not on a dry one.
If your route includes river crossings or a long stretch of rain, buy the welded construction. If you want a cheaper test before a long trip, run a hose over the bag for ten minutes and see what reaches the liner.
Mounting: throw over, rack or quick-disconnect
Throw-over bags strap to the seat and need no hardware, which is the lightest and fastest option but offers the least security. Rack-mounted bags bolt to a pannier rack, sit steady at speed and stay put in a spill, at the cost of weight and fitment work.
Quick-disconnect hardware lets you drop the bags off in seconds without tools, which is the most convenient for riders who want the bike clean in a car park or who carry fragile gear they refuse to leave unattended. A common pattern among long-distance riders is to buy a rack first, then move to a rackless strap setup for weight and distribution.
Fitment clearance checklist
Measure before you order. Check tailpipe clearance, rear turn signal position, and whether the bags foul during full suspension travel. A universal bag needs a specific mounting point, and many bikes do not have one without an adapter.
Also check the pillion: rackless bags can eat the space a passenger needs, and hard cases can block the passenger’s footpeg clearance. Read which bikes a bag will not fit, not just which ones it will.
Security and crash safety
Soft bags cannot be locked, so plan for it. A portable cable through the bag eyelets into a fixed frame point, or keeping valuables in a tank bag you carry with you, is the honest answer. Hard cases solve it with a key.
On crash safety, remember that a rigid case snags a leg. Whatever you choose, keep the weight low and centred, and check the mount is tight before every loaded departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best saddle bag for touring?
The Rhinowalk 48L pair is our pick for most touring riders. Its 500D PVC tarpaulin shell is genuinely waterproof rather than merely water resistant, 48 litres total covers a week of gear, and the bags fold flat when removed. Riders on Harley touring platforms should instead choose the TCT-MOTORPARTS hard bags, which fit 2014 to 2024 models directly.
What is the difference between hard panniers and soft panniers?
Hard panniers use an ABS or plastic shell, which means they lock, shed rain without liners and hold their shape empty. They are heavier, wider, cost more and can reduce lean angle. Soft panniers are lighter and narrower, behave better on gravel, and suit rackless mounting, but they cannot be locked and need liners or a dry bag in sustained rain.
What are the best waterproof motorcycle saddlebags?
The Nelson-Rigg Hurricane set is the most fully sealed option, with tarpaulin PVC and electronically heat-welded seams plus removable liners. The Rhinowalk 48L pair is the budget waterproof alternative, using 500D PVC tarpaulin, while the WILD HEART bags use seamless welded construction. Bags labelled only water resistant, such as the Tusk Traverse, are not designed for immersion.
Which brand makes the best motorcycle saddlebags?
It depends on the riding style more than the badge. Riders who want sealed, serviceable luggage with a lifetime warranty tend to stay with Nelson-Rigg. Harley touring owners rate vehicle-specific hard bags highest for fit. Riders seeking the cruiser look and simple strap fitting most often choose Milwaukee Leather or KEMIMOTO. Long-distance riders frequently name Kriega, Givi and Viking as bags that have held up over multiple seasons.
What is the best motorcycle backpack for touring?
A backpack works well as a complement, not a replacement, for saddlebags. It keeps documents, a wallet and a camera accessible without stopping, which soft panniers cannot do. It is a poor carrier for heavy items, shifts on the rider and adds fatigue over a long day, so load the heavy gear in the saddlebags and use the pack for the things you need at a stop.
Are saddlebags waterproof?
Only some of them. Bags described as water resistant use coated fabric and covered zips, which handle rain and road spray but not immersion. Waterproof bags use welded or taped seams, roll-top closures or a sealed inner dry bag. Always check the specification wording, and test any bag under running water before a long wet-weather trip.
Best Motorcycle Saddlebags for Touring: The Final Verdict
The Rhinowalk 48L pair takes our Editor’s Choice because it solves the problem touring riders actually hit hardest, which is water, while giving you 48 litres and a bag that folds away when you get home. Buy the heat shield if your exhaust runs close and mount it to a proper rack.
If you ride a Harley touring bike, the TCT-MOTORPARTS hard bags fit your platform exactly and need no fabrication. If you want the cruiser look on a modest budget, the KEMIMOTO 30L set is the value pick. And if you will never leave a sealed bag outside, the Nelson-Rigg Hurricane is the most properly engineered waterproof system in this roundup, with a lifetime warranty behind it.
Whichever you pick for 2026, measure your tailpipe clearance and suspension travel before you order, pack below the seat line, and do a full test load before the first trip. Our best motorcycle gloves roundup covers the other half of keeping your hands comfortable on a long day.